A Look Back at the Summer and to the Year Ahead

Although the 2015-2016 year has just begun, so much has happened since my first address to you in June. At the outset, I am excited to report that we hit a record membership number last year of over 800 members, continuing the trend of upward growth of our chapter over the past several years. Thank you to our Membership Chairs, Elizabeth A. Bryson and Michael W. Appelbaum, along with our Officers, Board Members, Advisory Council and Committee Chairs for their tireless efforts and outstanding work to get us to this milestone level of membership. Let’s keep up the good work. Remember to renew your membership, and if each of us can commit to recruit just one new friend, the sky’s the limit for where our membership numbers can go. There’s strength in numbers, and we need to show just how strong this group of women (and men) can be.

We started the year off with our annual Awards and Installation Gala at the Marriott Marquis on June 10, 2015, where we celebrated our 80th Anniversary. Immediate Past President, Yacine Barry-Wun presented the President’s Special Award to the sitting Matrimonial Justices in New York County, the Doris S. Hoffman Service Award was presented to Hon. Sherry Klein Heitler for her work as the Administrative Judge for Civil Matters in the First Judicial District and in recognition of her long service on the NYWBA Board of Directors and as an advocate for equal rights, and we recognized and congratulated Hon. Peter H. Moulton, the incoming Administrative Judge for Civil Matters in the First Judicial District. Hon. Betty Weinberg-Ellerin swore in the 2015-2016 Officers and Directors, and I had the special honor of being sworn in as President by one of my mentors and long-time friend, Past President Hon. Lisa A. Sokoloff.

The night was a smashing success. The membership came out in droves to support all of our amazing honorees, and was a true testament to the camaraderie and support that our members demonstrate for one another on a daily basis. My family and I were particularly touched by the outpouring of support that we received, and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you.

Our fantastic Dinner was followed up by our 21st Annual Summer Program on July 14, 2015, that was pioneered by WBASNY Past President, Martha E. Gifford in 1995, and is now co-sponsored with the New York City Bar on “What It’s REALLY Like to Practice Law as a Woman.” A distinguished panel of women lawyers provided insights and guidance to over two hundred law students and junior attorneys just starting their legal careers. Thanks to past and present NYWBA Board Members Cassandra M. Porter and Victoria Turchetti and their team for organizing this program once again this year.

On July 23, 2015 I met with our 2015-2016 Committee Chairs to discuss plans for meetings, programs, events and Continuing Legal Education for the year ahead. I am very excited to report that I have been presented with a plethora of program ideas by our Committee Chairs. As in years past, there will be no shortage of exciting and diverse programs this year. And, of course, we will be continuing to offer free CLE programs to our members.

I can’t end this message without noting some of the major legal accomplishments of this summer. First, after many years of debate between domestic violence groups, members of the matrimonial bench and bar, and the legislature, our State Legislature passed Legislation proposed by the Matrimonial Practice Advisory and Rules Committee Chaired by Hon. Jeffrey S. Sunshine, and supported by WBASNY, bringing sweeping spousal maintenance reform to New York. This bill was achieved after months of tireless negotiations between competing interest groups, and it is the hope of practitioners, Judges and Legislators alike that this new law, once signed by the Governor, will bring predictability and stability to maintenance rulings throughout the State.

The other major accomplishment is the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. ___ (2015), finally ruling that the right to marry is a fundamental human right of all people in this Country, and not just a right of some. Our Bar Association has long been active in the fight for marriage equality, as part of our mission of providing legal equality to all, including submitting an amicus brief in the 2013 case of U.S. v. Windsor, 570 U.S. ___ (2013), which went part of the way toward bringing marriage equality. Now we can celebrate that the SCOTUS brought it all the way home! This is truly a time for celebration.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that both NYWBA and WBASNY have created LGBT Committees, so that our associations may join the discussion of equality for all more fully and directly on the important topic of LGBT rights at the local, state and national levels. Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County, Hon. Lynn R. Kotler, and private practitioner and partner at Brady, Klein, Weissmann, LLP, Peggy Brady, have honored the NYWBA by taking on the task of spearheading the inaugural year of this committee as its Co-Chairs. I encourage any of our members with an interest in the area of LGBT rights to join the Committee. Their first meeting will be held at Ms. Brady’s office on September 10, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.

Please check our online calendar regularly for information about our many programs throughout the year, as well as our e-blast which you will continue to receive on a regular basis. I also ask you all to take the time to respond to the email questionnaire you will be receiving in the coming months. Your answers to this will help us tailor future programs and CLE’s to your interests.

Jennifer

Archives

June 2015

In her President's Message, Jennifer P. Brown titled her message "NYWBA’s Legacy over 80 Years and Vision for the Future".
To view her President's Message in full, click here.

May 2015

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Our Founding Members Would Be Proud".
To view her President's Message in full, click here.

April 2015

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Empowering Women to Succeed and Realize their Full Potential".
To view her President's Message in full, click here.

March 2015

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Our History, Our Future".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2015

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Promoting Professional Growth and Celebrating our Judiciary".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2015

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Outreach, Mentoring & Leadership ".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2014

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Gratitude and Opportunity ".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2014

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Celebrating the NYWBA Community".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2014

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Celebrating Our 80th Anniversary in 2014-2015!".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2014

In her President's Message, Yacine Barry-Wun titled her message "Serving Our Members".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

May 2014

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Legacy and Transition".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2014

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Our Extraordinary Members".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2014

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "NYWBA Reaches Major Milestone!".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2014

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Honoring Our Judiciary and Planning for the Future".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2014

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Our Struggling Family Courts".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "A Busy Fall Season".
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October 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "A Sense of Community".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "An Exciting Year Ahead!".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "A Time for Celebrating and Making Plans".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

May 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Reflecting on Our Extraordinary Year".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Fighting for Equality".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "So Much To Celebrate!".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2013

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Happy New Year".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2012

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Strength in Numbers".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2012

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "The Power of Membership".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2012

In her President's Message, Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann titled her message "Our Important Mission".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2012

In her President's Message, Patricia Ann Grant titled her message "Opportunities and Transitions".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2012

In her President's Message, Patricia Ann Grant titled her message "Discrimination Against Women Continues".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2012

In her President's Message, Patricia Ann Grant titled her message "A New Year".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2011

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message ""Growth, Education & Advancement".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2011

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message "Happy New Year!".
To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November - December 2010

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message "Season's Greetings". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2010

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message "Harvest". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2010

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message "The Benefits of Sharing". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2010

In her President's Message, Gretchen Beall Schumann titled her message "In Remembrance". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

May 2010

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Mothers and Role Models". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2010

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Spring Cleaning". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2010

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "The Reality of Elder Care". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2010

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Helping Hands". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2010

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "The New Life Balance ". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2009

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Beyond Firsts". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2009

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Finding Inspiration". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2009

In her President's Message, Donna M. Praiss titled her message "Can I Give You A Hug?". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2008

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff titled her message "STAND UP FOR OURSELVES AND AMERICA". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2008

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about "Re-Evaluating A "Victimless" Crime". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2008

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about celebrating the women in our lives. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2008

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about continuing the struggle against gender bias. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2007

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about making 2008 the best year ever for the NYWBA. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2007

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about the summary of results from our first annual survey on the status of women working in Manhattan law firms. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2007

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about GENERATIVITY. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

June 2007

In her President's Message, Lisa A. Sokoloff spoke about how "Our Work is Not Done". To view the President's Message in full, click here.

May 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reviewed this year's events. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

April 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of rainmaking. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on gender diversity in large law firms. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on lessons in humility. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the benefits of dual membership in the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of pro bono service. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on military wives as unsung military heroes.To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of making our worlds larger again. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of building a network of women lawyers. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

July 2006

In her inaugural President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of community. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

Spring 2006

In her President's column in the Spring issue, President Christina Kallas discussed how women continue to lag behind men when it comes to earning power, and suggests that this is one more item for the legislature to address as it considers 'no-fault' divorce legislation. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2006

For Women's History Month, Christina Kallas reflected upon how far we have yet to go. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2006

In her column for February President Christina Kallas asked us to consider what it is we pay attention to in our culture. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2006

In her column for January President Christina Kallas asked, "Do we (still) need a women's bar association?" To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2005

In her column for December President Christina Kallas discusses the Mental Health Court initiative. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2005

In her column for November President Christina Kallas asked us all to honor the memory of Ms. Rosa Parks by making one change. To view the President's message in full, click here.

October 2005

In her column for October in honor of Mediation Settlement Month, President Christina Kallas discusses whether mediation is an underused tool in a lawyer's toolbox. To view the President's message in full, click here.

September 2005

In her column for September, President Christina Kallas reflected upon the changes in our country since September 11th. To view the President's message in full, click here.

June 2005

In her column for June, President Christina Kallas discusses change and continuity. To view the President's message in full, click here.

April 2005

In her column in April, President Elizabeth Bryson talked about sexual politics and "women's work." She took issue with Harvard President Lawrence Summers' recent remarks implying that women are innately less suited to pursing careers in science or engineering. Such retrograde thinking is self-defeating. Mr. Summers had to apologize, and Harvard is now actively address the status of women in academia. Ms. Bryson also discussed upcoming events, including the Association's Annual Meeting, a CLE program on "Evolving Opportunities for Women' Lawyers," the Foundation's next fundraising breakfast, the WBASNY Convention, and of course our fantastic 70th Anniversary celebration on June 1st. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2005

In her column in February, President Elizabeth Bryson talked about matters of life and death. She related the experiences of a friend fighting breast cancer and her mother and family addressing the loss of two brothers to AIDS several years ago, and how each circumstance, though very different, teaches us once again the importance of choosing to live life to its fullest every day. By contrast, she considers the proposal in the NYS Legislature to reinstate the death penalty, and WBASNY's brave stance in opposition. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2005

In her column in January, President Elizabeth Bryson discussed the importance of taking steps to ensure that judges in New York have the appropriate qualifications and integrity to ensure the fair and equal administration of justice. She discusses pending legislation and proposed amendments to the Rules of Judicial Conduct that would have an influence on the method of selecting state court judges and the rules that would apply to candidates for judicial office in New York. Ms. Bryson was honored to chair a WBASNY Task Force to look at the proposed legislation and rule changes, and she discusses the process and proposals. She also describes the recent gala celebration WBASNY's 25 Anniversary and the wonderful presentation of the inaugural "Betty Weinberg Ellerin Mentoring Award" to Justice Ellerin. Finally, she reminds everyone of the importance of ensuring that their membership is renewed by January 31, 2005. New members are also welcome, and they can join for half-price dues starting in January! To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2004

In her column in December, President Elizabeth Bryson discussed the importance of speaking out and being heard. She demonstrated the value of the Association's screening of candidates for judicial office, particularly now, when the integrity of the judiciary is under attack. Because many of our members practice in solo and small firm settings, Ms. Bryson recommended that members appear before the Commission on Solo and Small Firm Practice, which is holding hearings and looking for comments, concerns and suggestions to make the lives of attorneys in these settings and their clients easier. Members should also plan to join us at several upcoming events that promise to be very exciting, including the NYWBA Foundation's Breakfast Series Speaker Event, a fundraiser scheduled for December 1st, WBASNY's 25th Anniversary Gala on December 2nd that will pay tribute to our own past President, the Honorable Betty Weinberg Ellerin, for her nearly 50 years of mentoring and service to women attorneys and judges throughout New York and across the country, and the New York Women's Agenda's Star Breakfast on December 7th. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2004

In her column in November, President Elizabeth Bryson celebrated all the wonderful programs and events that happened this fall, including our Annual Membership Reception. She also discussed the recent controversy with respect to screening the qualifications of candidates for judicial office in New York County, which became the subject of an article in the New York Law Journal. To view the President's message in full, click here.

September 2004

In her column in September, President Elizabeth Bryson asked members to join her in celebrating the Association's 70th Anniversary year (2004-05). Coincidentally, it was also the 25th anniversary year for the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), which is the umbrella organization for all 16 women's bar associations across New York State. The NYWBA and its past President Joan Ellenbogen were instrumental in the formation of WBASNY, and it is a joy to see that it is flourishing. This is Beth's second term as President, and in her column she discussed the excitement of continuing programs begun last year and new programs that will begin this year. She also congratulated everyone who was involved in the wonderful year-end festivities, including our Annual Dinner and the WBASNY Convention. To view the President's message in full, click here.

April 2005

In her column for April, President Elizabeth Bryson congratulated several women who make history every day, including the 11 honorees designated for Women's History Month by the National Women's History Project and the New York City Commission on Women. She provided an update on the proposed rules that we have supported to allow asylum for women who are victims of domestic violence or other brutality that is directly or indirectly endorsed by their country's governments. Ms. Bryson also highlighted numerous upcoming events, including the NYWBA Annual Meeting and the Annual Ethics Forum, both in April, and the Women's Bar Convention in New Orleans and the NYWBA Annual Dinner, both in May. To view the President's message in full, click here. .

March 2004

In her March 2004 column, Ms. Bryson notes that NYWBA's membership has increased by over 33 percent from last year, and nearly 50% from two years ago. She praises the terrific work of NYWBA members, Officers, Board members, Committee Chairs, and others who worked on our membership drive and demonstrate why our bar association is so important, strong and vital. She also salutes two people who may not be lawyers but whose contributions are absolutely invaluable to the Association and the NYWBA Foundation - Executive Director Marta Toro and NYWBA Foundation member Denise Coleman. "Our Association is blessed with so many wonderful women and men who contribute their talents." To view the President's message in full, click here.

February 2004

In her February 2004 column, Ms. Bryson discussed the importance of mentoring and networking, especially for women attorneys. She also announces that the Association's Annual Meeting will be on April 28, 2004, when the 2004-05 officers and directors will be elected. Our gala Annual Dinner will be on May 26, 2004. At that event, awards will be presented to Linda Greenhouse, Pulitzer Prize winning author and New York Times reporter covering the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Hon. Jacqueline Silbermann, Administrative Judge of the NY County Supreme Court and Chief Administrative Judge for NYS Matrimonial Courts. To view the President's message in full, click here.

December 2003

In her December 2003 column, NYWBA President Elizabeth Bryson profiled important issues for our military, including the incidents of rape and sexual harassment at our military academies, the scourge of domestic violence, and the shameful track record of "don't ask, don't tell." She also discussed our exciting membership drive and the Reception Honoring Newly Elected and Appointed Judges. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2003

In her November 2003 column, NYWBA President Elizabeth Bryson discusses the importance and benefits of membership, as well as the recent visit of distinguished attorneys from Malaysia who were invited by the U.S. State Department to meet with NYWBA representatives. To view the President's message in full, click here.